Funding of resource tracking and communication system

ABSTRACT

A system and method for confirming that emergency resources are available to be used at a particular location, communicating to the incident manager at that location and estimated time of arrival of the resource, and tracking the resource during transit to the location for updating the estimated time of arrival. The system further includes the step of funding the system, which can include charging a fee to those who benefit from the system, the public generally, or both.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to emergency response systems, emergency equipmentand tracking of the emergency equipment, and to communication devicesand processes used in responding to emergencies.

Government has long held a responsibility to respond with rapidefficiency to geographically diverse, public emergencies. This need tocoordinate the expedient dispatch of resources is intended to savelives, reduce injury and prevent any further loss of property. While theelements of natural disasters, traffic collisions and terrorism aregreatly diverse, the solutions to efficiently responding to them arestrikingly similar. The earliest arrival by emergency resources at anemergency site is the best way to respond to any emergency. Therefore,it is indisputable that given equal rates of response and equal paths tothe incident site, the geographically closest resource to any site willarrive first and begin the resolution phase of a situation.

In struggling to meet the demands of managing a mobile society, theevolution of motorized travel is only one example depicting theburgeoning responsibility of managing resources to handle emergencies.The governmental responsibility to respond to motorized vehicleemergencies must have begun with the world's first motor vehiclefatality occurring when an Irish scientist was run over by a steam carin 1869. Undoubtedly, help must have been summoned in a very primitivemanner for that first tragedy. Many years and safety innovations later,the global economic cost of motor vehicle collisions has grown to anestimated $518 billion per year in 2003 with $100 billion of thatoccurring in developing countries. The Centers for Disease Control andPrevention estimated the U.S. cost in 2000 was $230 billion. In 2003 theOakridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee completed astudy revealing that 99 billion dollars are lost each year in workers'hours due to specific congestion situations on the nation's freeways.This congestion was related to traffic slowing for incidents thatblocked lanes, many of which required a tow truck to clear damaged ordisabled vehicles.

While communication devices have developed to summon assistance, theprocess to select and provide proper resources is still in primitivestages. With extensive experience in transportation, one can expect towitness the loss of life and property resulting from inadequate methodsused to provide assistance at emergencies. In July, 2008, the Departmentof Homeland Security through the National Emergency Communications Plan,indicated the vital need for improving emergency communications for theNation's Federal, State, local, and tribal emergency responders. Itsgoals included the development of protocols to effectively use theirresources and personnel with emerging technologies which integratecurrent emergency communication and enhance response capabilities.

During a 30 year career with the Arizona Highway Patrol, the Applicanthad the opportunity to witness the need for expedient response ofresources to public emergencies. Applicant dealt with a wide spectrum ofevents from individual accidents to large planned events such asnational emergency drills. In thousands of incidents, Applicantexperienced the inefficiencies of the current resource management systemwith which ancillary resources for government emergencies are selectedand deployed. While acting as Department of Public Safety representativeat Arizona's State Emergency Operations Center, Applicant developed asense of the importance of the response to emergencies at every level.For decades, available technology only allowed for telephone and radiocommunication and the selection of potentially available resourcesthrough a simple rotation system. The rotation system had no guaranteethat the resources were coordinated by their proximity to the emergency.During the last national emergency drill, coordinated by FEMA in 2007named TOPOFF 4, Applicant was one of the planners for the portion of theterrorism scenario that occurred in Phoenix. The focal point was lawenforcement's initial response and their coordination of ancillaryresources. Many resources were still selected by a simple rotationmethod using an availability list without regard to their immediateproximity to the simulated terrorist attack. In order to construct sucha list, contractors who wish to be available to provide services contactthe authorities and ask their name to be placed on the list. When theneed arises, the list is consulted and the next party on the list whowill provide those services is contacted. If their services areutilized, their name is crossed off and they are not contacted until thenext rotation. This rotation method has been adopted over a period ofyears to ensure the equitable distribution of service calls betweentowing companies, without regard to finding the closest available truckto the incident. This method does not provide the quickest clearance forevents that produce congestion, and this results in collateralaccidents. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimatesthat for every minute lane closures on a highway are delayed from beingopened, the probability of a secondary automobile accident increases byabout 2.8%. It is apparent that these limited technologies have impededother resource managers.

Many federal agencies, including FEMA and the Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS) have placed the communication and rapid coordination ofancillary emergency resources as a top priority. FEMA's ResponseDirectorate requires a “disaster response capability needed to save andsustain lives, minimize suffering, and protect property in a timely andeffective manner in communities that become overwhelmed by naturaldisasters, acts of terrorism, or other emergencies”.

FEMA's priorities were reflected by the Federal Highway Administrationin 2010 when it adopted specific goals and strategies related toemergency resource management. These were proposed by the NationalTraffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC) and formed what becameknown as the National Unified Goal. The NTIMC Goals are respondersafety; safe, quick clearance; and prompt, reliable, interoperablecommunications. The NTIMC states it will achieve these goals through 18strategies including a commitment to setting goals for traffic incidentresponse and clearance times, and working together for rapid andcoordinated implementation of beneficial new technologies for trafficincident management.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has longrecognized that the Four E's of traffic safety are Engineering,Education, Enforcement and Emergency Response. In September 2010,Applicant conducted a national survey to determine what protocol eachstate's highway patrols employed to request resources for response toevents creating freeway congestion. The results indicated that 90% ofthe states simply used a rotation list to summon assistance to clearblocking vehicles. The remaining states used a sole provider systembased on one company winning the contract for all tows, with theexception of one state that allowed troopers to select tow providers onindividual preference.

It was through the results of this survey that Applicant confirmed thenational scope and importance of his effort to reduce the amount of timeneeded for emergency response resources to reach emergency sites. Thefailure to provide the quickest response to emergencies affects everygovernment response to an emergency when civilian or other third partyemergency response resources are summoned to assist. DHS, FEMA, andcountless state/local agencies all contract with civilian resources toresolve emergencies under government responsibility. For example, theDHS depends on state police to expeditiously remove vehicles blocking anevacuation route during a terror strike. FEMA actions necessitate theresponse of contracted civilian equipment to reinforce floodplainlevees. Time is of the essence and the guarantee and confirmation thatrequired resources are en route is essential. Therefore, there is a needfor better communication system between emergency response resources andthe person at the scene of an emergency managing all resources, andthere is a need for confirmation that the closest resources are en routeto the scene.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions are used herein:

CAD—Computer Aided Dispatch.

ETA—Estimated Time of Arrival.

GPS—Global Positioning Satellite or any available redundant system thatdetermines location, including without limitation radio signal orcellular telephone signal triangulation methods and verbal locationstatements.

IM—Incident Manager, which is a person at the scene of an emergency whomanages the flow of resources on site that address the emergency.

RMC—Resource Management Centers, which are also referred to herein asthe Central Party, or CP.

RFID—Radio Frequency Identification or any equivalent proximity sensingtechnology, including without limitation Near Field Communication (NFC),Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

SLR—System Linked Resources, which are operators of emergency resourceequipment, combined with the equipment itself, whose response to anincident is coordinated through this system.

SLR—Category “A”—SLRs that have an established agreement with an RMC torespond on a daily basis utilizing RFID capable cellular devices orequivalent technology.

SLR—Category “B”—SLRs that have an established agreement with an RMC torespond on an intermittent basis utilizing RFID capable cellular devicesor equivalent technology.

SLR—Category “C”—SLRs without established agreements to respond andwhich do not possess RFID capable cellular devices or equivalenttechnology. These resources include those that the RMC determines areneeded to respond to unique situations and are not linked to the systemin the same way that an SLR A or B is. This includes resources that wereinitiated by parties outside the protocol of the RMC.

The method and system enable an IM to request and confirm the ETA of allthird party resources. This resource management method and systemconfirms that requested SLR's are en route using the integration ofGPS-based cellular devices that are linked to mobile resources. Throughthe system, third party resources confirmed as being the closest to theemergency site are sent to the site and are tracked in real-time so thatthe ETA status is confirmed to the IM. The link between the SLR operatorand equipment confirms and ensures that resource operators are availableand responding with the requested resource equipment. This isaccomplished through a cellular device computer program that recognizesthe proper resource equipment using an RFID, bar code, or other uniqueidentifier.

In general, the system includes communication equipment, such as a radioor cellular phone, which is used by the Incident Manager (IM) tocommunicate to a Central Party (CP), such as a dispatcher. The locationof the incident is ordinarily first communicated to the CP using thecommunication device, such as by speaking into a radio or cellularphone. Typically, although it is not required that the steps be carriedout in the order described herein, the need for emergency resourceequipment will next be determined by the IM and then that need is nextcommunicated to the CP.

After the need for the emergency equipment has been communicated to theCP, the CP determines the location of the closest SLR and then contactsthe SLR operator, such as a tow truck operator, backhoe operator,bulldozer operator or any other SLR operator, and communicates the needand the location to the SLR operator. The SLR operator can confirm thatthe resource equipment is available, but most importantly confirms tothe CP that the equipment is in close proximity to the SLR operator.This confirmation can be performed by one of many confirmationtechnologies, including the SLR operator disposing the location trackingdevice (such as his or her cellular phone) in close proximity to an RFIDdevice on the resource equipment (such as on the tow truck or backhoe),or by any other means by which the location of the owner/operator canconfirm close proximity to the SLR equipment, including near fieldcommunication (NFC) technology.

It is this confirmation step that critically prevents “optimistic” orfraudulent SLR operators from indicating to the CP that they are closeto their resource when they are not. The possible negative impact on theIM's execution of any plans if the SLR operator's ETA is incorrectcannot be overstated. The SLR operator then begins to travel to theincident site with the resource while his or her location iscontinuously or periodically tracked and continuously or periodicallyreported back to the CP and/or the IM. Thus, the SLR's ETA and locationcan be known to the IM for purposes of planning the execution ofresponding to the incident.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration showing three spaced parties usingone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing steps of the method of the invention.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, theword connected or terms similar thereto are often used. They are notlimited to direct connection, but include connection through otherelements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent bythose skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/508,761 filed Jul. 18, 2011 isincorporated herein by reference.

The general embodiment of the invention includes communication devices,such as radios, cellular phones, and any other devices that are capableof two-way communication with another person. Such communication can beby a person speaking into the device and the other person hearing thesound reproduced on the other device, or by speaking and the deviceusing voice-recognition software to transmit an electronic message.Alternatively, the communications can be by sending electronic messages,such as email or text message. Of course, any other two waycommunications between humans and computers is contemplated. Thepreferred system includes the SLR operator using a so-called“smartphone” with computer capabilities and other technologies, such asGPS-location tracking, the ability to install applications (“apps”) ofvarious types, a digital camera and access to the internet. However, avariety of technologies in existence and to be developed couldsubstitute for the preferred devices as will be apparent to a person ofordinary skill from the description herein.

The process ordinarily begins by the IM, who is normally one of thefirst people to arrive on the scene of the incident, communicating withthe CP using a police, fire or other radio transmission system to speakverbal communications to the CP. Of course, the IM could communicatewith the CP by speaking into a cellular phone, typing or speaking (usingvoice-recognition software) text messages, email or any othercommunication means that can be readily transported to the scene of anemergency.

The radio is typically in the vehicle or on the person of the IM, and,upon arrival, the location of the incident is communicated verbally bythe IM to the CP. The location of the IM, and thus the emergency site,can be communicated by manually or automatically linking the CP'sequipment to GPS or other location-detecting means on the IM's radio,cellular phone, vehicle or person in order to locate the IM and,therefore, the emergency site. Of course, the location can also becommunicated by the IM simply confirming arrival on the scene of alocation to which the IM was instructed to go, without expressly statingthe IM's location. The IM thus has a location that is determined by theCP in order that the CP can send equipment based on the IM'sinstructions and requests.

Although the order of communicating information is not critical, thetypical order of communicating is described below. After the IMcommunicates the location, the IM typically takes stock of the situationat the scene and develops a plan for responding to the emergency. The IMthen communicates to the CP various matters, including withoutlimitation the IM's need for third party emergency resource equipment,such as a tow truck to move a wrecked automobile or a bulldozer to movedebris from a landslide. This need for third party resources istypically communicated to the CP using the radio or other communicationdevice the IM brings to the scene, as described above. Thus, thiscommunication with the CP can be accomplished in one or more of manyways, including without limitation talking, texting or emailing. It willbecome apparent to the person of ordinary skill that the communicationcan also occur by the IM filling out forms on an application installedon a cellular phone or any other computer device that is connectedelectronically to the central system via Wi-Fi, virtual private network(VPN), the internet, cellular phone system, etc.

Once the CP has the IM's location and requested resources, the CP thenuses location-related data and other information available to the CP todetermine the available SLR closest to the incident site that can supplythe needed resource equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the systemincludes one or more SLR operators who carry on their person acommunication device that can be tracked geographically, such as byusing conventional GPS equipment, and that indicates the types ofequipment available to the SLR operator. In one example, all tow truckdrivers have smartphones running an app that communicates to a centralcomputer system the location of the smartphone and the availability oftheir tow trucks. It is contemplated, although not required, that thecommunication device can indicate that the SLR operator is available ornot available to receive requests from the CP. In this way, when the SLRoperator is not available (e.g., he or she is already towing a vehicle),the CP does not waste precious time attempting to contact, or waitingfor a response from, the SLR operator. In summary, when the systemdetermines the available resource closest to the emergency site, thesystem will only “consider” available resources of the type requested bythe IM.

The determination of which available SLR operator to contact ispreferably performed automatically by a central computer that has thelocation data of the IM and the continuously tracked location of allavailable SLR operators in the vicinity of the emergency site. A simplegeographic comparison, preferably based upon normal mapping technologyand ideally taking into consideration traffic, weather, construction andother variable conditions, determines which available SLR operator isclosest. Such an automatic computer comparison avoids individuals makingmistakes or favoring one SLR operator over another, and is extremelyrapid and reliable. Of course, the closest available SLR operator can bedetermined manually by the CP looking at a map that shows all resourcesavailable near the incident, or a map that has been “filtered” to showonly the resources for which the IM has expressed a need. The“filtering” that occurs can be performed manually or automatically. Itis contemplated that the CP's computer can receive the resource requestelectronically from the IM and, upon receipt, automatically locates theavailable SLR operator closest to the incident.

Once the closest available SLR operator is determined, this SLR operatoris contacted, preferably automatically by the system sending a textmessage or email. Of course, the system could simply connect thecellular phone of the SLR operator to the CP's communication device, ornotify the CP of the SLR operator's contact information and present theCP with options to contact the SLR operator. In this case, the CP canmanually contact the SLR operator by telephone, text, email or similarimmediate communication. In general, it is the SLR operator's cellularphone or other special purpose communication device that is tracked bythe CP's system that allows location of the SLR operator to be trackedand contact to be made with the SLR operator. It is assumed, for thepurposes of the system, that unless the resource itself (be it abackhoe, boat, bulldozer, saw, etc.) is tracked separately, which iscontemplated, it is the SLR operator that is tracked. The mostconvenient way currently contemplated to track the location of the SLRoperator is by tracking the location of his or her cellular phone orother GPS-enabled device. This also makes it convenient to contact theSLR operator in the next step. Although there may be other devices thatcan substitute for the location-tracking of the cellular phone, this isthe most feasible device known to Applicant at this time. Of course, theperson having ordinary skill will know from this description that newand varied devices can replace the cellular phone described herein.

The SLR operator can be contacted in any manner, including withoutlimitation a conventional cellular phone call, texting and emailing or aspecial-purpose device. However it occurs, the SLR operator is notifiedof the need for his or her resource, the location of the emergency site,and the fact that it is an emergency to which the SLR operator mustrespond immediately. In general, all SLR A and B operators will havepreviously agreed to a series of rules, which include the requirement toaccept all requests for resources when the equipment and operator areavailable. It is for this reason that it is preferred that the SLRoperator be able to indicate availability to the system so that if theequipment is not available, time is not lost when the SLR is notavailable to answer a request. It is contemplated that SLR C operatorshave an option to accept the request, but it is also contemplated thatany SLR not filling requests could be considered for elimination fromthe system due to unreliability.

After being contacted, the SLR operator can respond confirming that heor she can fill the request, or it can be assumed that the SLR operatorwill immediately begin transporting the equipment to the site of theemergency. It is contemplated that the SLR operator can respond that heor she cannot fill the request, but this is considered an exception tothe general rule other than for SLR C operators. The SLR can respond inany manner allowed by the system, but talking, texting and emailing,along with all equivalents, are contemplated. If a specializedelectronic form is sent to the SLR via email or an app installed on theSLR operator's phone, the SLR operator can simply check a box or fieldin a form as a response.

Once the SLR operator has received the indication of the need for his orher resource and possibly responded (or some other indication has servedas the SLR operator's response), the SLR operator next confirms that theSLR operator is in close proximity to the resource equipment and can,therefore, fill the need requested by the CP and the IM. This step isneeded because if the resource equipment that is desired by the IM isnot in close proximity to the SLR operator, the SLR operator is notcapable of filling the need in the time anticipated by the CP and/or theCP's computer. Therefore, if the resource is in the SLR operator'simmediate presence, he or she can rapidly confirm this to the CP in oneof many acceptable ways and then the IM can be given a reliable ETA ofthe equipment. If the resource is not in the SLR operator's closeproximity, the SLR operator must travel to the location of the resourceand confirm the location of the equipment to the CP, preferably within apredetermined time period previously agreed upon.

The proximity confirmation can occur in one or more of many ways,including without limitation in one of the many ways listed in thisdescription, such as by disposing a detecting device, such as aprogrammed smartphone, in close proximity to an RFID tag located on theequipment, by scanning a bar or QR code with a smartphone, by using NFCtechnology, or by pinging a device on the equipment using Wi-Fi orBluetooth technologies. However it occurs, the SLR operator must confirmto the CP the close proximity of the equipment in a reliable way toavoid any delay in arrival at the emergency site. Rapid arrival is, ofcourse, critical in responding to an emergency and therefore the IM mustbe able to rely on an accurate ETA. By confirming proximity to theresource, the ETA is considered reliable.

Confirmation of the SLR operator in proximity to the resource iscontemplated to occur in one or more of various ways. It is contemplatedthat an RFID tag can be physically attached to the resource, and the SLRoperator's proximity can be confirmed automatically by the CP using theSLR operator's smartphone containing an app that detects the RFID andnotifies the CP. This is accomplished by the use of a cellular devicewith a function enabling the device to recognize and/or read an RFIDthat is preferably contained in a label adhered on the resourceequipment. Alternatively, upon receiving notice of the need for theresource, the SLR operator manually actuates something in the smartphonethat detects the RFID or any other similar proximity-detecting means.Still further, the smartphone can be manually placed in close proximityto a bar code, QR code or NFC device attached to the resource, which isthen sent electronically to the CP to confirm proximity. Of course,there are many other means and mechanisms that can be used to manuallyor automatically confirm the proximity of the SLR operator to theresource, which is necessary to prepare a reliable ETA.

Once proximity is confirmed and the CP is notified, the CP calculates anETA at the emergency site for the SLR. It is contemplated that an ETA isprepared when the computer the CP has access to is electronicallynotified of the confirmation, and then the computer calculates an ETAautomatically. This ETA is then sent to the IM manually or automaticallyfor notice and/or approval. The IM is at least notified of the ETA, andit is contemplated that the IM may respond to confirm receipt of theETA, or the IM may request a resource that has an ETA closer to thecurrent time. This may be necessary if the requested resource is notavailable, but a less-preferred resource is available sooner. Thus, aplurality of SLR ETA's can be provided to the IM, who then can selectthe best option for the situation.

After or while the SLR operator confirms proximity to the equipment, theSLR operator transports the equipment to the emergency site. This istypically accomplished by driving to the site over roadways, but caninclude carrying or otherwise transporting including without limitationusing a boat, an aircraft, or any other means of transportation. It ispreferred that the location of the SLR operator (and proximate resourceequipment) be tracked continuously as it makes its way to the emergencysite. It is also preferred to give the IM the option of being notifiedof an updated ETA either continuously (such as by a map display withmoving SLR icon) or periodically (such as by periodic audible radiomessages), because the ETA can change as conditions change. The IM canbest respond to the emergency if he or she has periodic updates of theETA.

Once the resource equipment arrives on the scene and is under thecontrol of the IM, the time of that arrival is documented by the system,preferably by location tracking software. Documentation of the locationof the SLR occurs for a short or long period after arrival, for exampleto determine how long the resource was at the emergency site for paymentpurposes and for any other reasons. The tracking and documentation canoccur for as long as the resource is at the emergency site or evenafter, if permission is granted and privacy concerns are not raised.This can be for billing or any other reason which may or may not beknown at the time.

Thus, the operation of the system can be summarized in general toinclude the steps of the IM notifying the CP of the location and needfor a particular resource, the CP obtaining the location of the closestavailable SLR operator, the SLR operator confirming close proximity tothe resource equipment, tracking of the SLR en route to, and possiblywhile at, the emergency site, and communicating an ETA to the IM,possibly to include communicating an updated ETA while the SLR is enroute to the emergency site.

The computer program for this system is preferably operated through apublic, nationwide server. Of course, a private server can be used, orsome parts of the public system can be kept private, for privacy and/orsecurity reasons. This communication system is CAD compliant and iscapable of sending and receiving messages via server from all involvedorganizations and responders.

The system is designed with an “open architecture” to providecommunication devices such as cellular telephones with the followingadditional accessory features: GPS accessory, messaging accessory,mapping/routing accessory. The GPS requirements for this program allowfor GPS location of sites nationwide on any public thoroughfaredesignated or referred to by milepost, street address, highway junction,roadway intersection, etc.

The system preferably presents to the CP the GPS location of theemergency site and automatically selects the appropriate SLR to assist.An “appropriate” SLR is defined as one having the proper equipment andrating to handle a request by an IM. The individual location identifiersfor each SLR A or B indicate the capability level, but this is notavailable for SLR C. Examples follow of circumstances that areconsidered somewhat typical of those encountered in emergencysituations.

Example 1

As shown in FIG. 1, a highway patrol officer arrives at a site andserves in the role of IM as he requests a tow truck 12 for an accidentat the junction of two highways. The system recognizes the officer'scruiser 10 GPS coordinates and notifies the CP of the location of thesite. This requested resource is entered into the system by the CP 14using a graphical user interface that permits the selection of one ormore of many pre-programmed resource options. Upon identifying thelocation, the system searches for and locates the closest availabletowing responders, and then presents the SLR operators in order ofproximity to the incident. These responders have a pre-existing contractto have an operator standing by to respond within minutes and are an SLRA for the highway patrol. The closest SLR operator is contacted and theSLR A operator confirms proximity to the tow truck. After theconfirmation is entered into the system, an ETA is created by the systemand the CP is notified of the same. The CP then communicates the ETA tothe IM verbally using the radio and then the location of the SLR A istracked by the system as the SLR A travels to the site. Periodic ETAupdates are announced through the radio by computerized or humanstatements to the IM by the system, thereby notifying the IM of the SLRA's ETA. The location of the SLR A is confirmed to the point of theemergency site, and afterward to confirm that the SLR A transported thetowed vehicle to the location reported to the system by the SLR Aoperator.

Example 2

In the course of managing a mudslide incident which compromised theavailability of drinking water for a rural community, the governmentofficer IM uses a cellular phone to request privately owned water trucksof her dispatcher CP. These resource vehicles have a pre-existingcontract with the government to respond on an intermittent basis asneeded. They are not normally in daily service for the government, sothere is no expectation that an operator is standing by to respond inminutes. The operators of these vehicles are considered to be an SLR B,and after arriving at the resource equipment, the operators confirmproximity using their smartphones to scan QR codes on the equipment andsending that scan to the CP. The operators then travel to the emergencysite. The SLR B's are tracked as they travel to the site, and ETA's foreach SLR B are communicated periodically to the IM via the radio. Thelocations of the SLR B's are also tracked afterward as they supply waterto the communities. The location information is maintained and used toconfirm information contained in the invoices sent by the SLR Boperators.

Example 3

While managing a large HAZMAT spill in a mountainous area, the IMdecides there is a need for locally owned dump trucks to assist withplacing material in the path of HAZMAT draining down a ravine. Theseresources are not operating with prior contractual agreements and arenot equipped with RFID cellular devices, and therefore are SLR C statusresponders. While their locations are not determined by RFID cellulardevices, the SLR C operators communicate their current location andproximity to their equipment to a CAD dispatcher at the RMC whiledeparting to the incident. The dispatcher enters this into the systemwhich creates a GPS location for the SLR C operators. The additional andupdated locations while in transit for SLR C operators are determined asdeemed necessary by the RMC. These actions will facilitate the trackingand determinations of ETA's for a responding SLR C. Once they arrive onthe scene, the SLRC's are tracked to ensure that all invoiced milesinvoiced were traversed by the vehicles.

A message requesting service through this system originates from an RMCand a centralized CAD system and is managed through a server capable ofnationwide coverage. All SLR operators are able to respond to CADmessaging through cellular type devices that allow text and verbalcommunication. This provides for the flow of specific or updatedinformation in all directions between the IM, the SLR operators and theCP. The system transmits messages and uses GPS data (as describedabove). The system stores this information with the requestingorganization and each RMC. This includes the ability to track recordsand form statistical data.

It should be noted that an SLR A or B will be selected only if theircommunication devices are activated and in the “available mode”. This“available mode” is an option an SLR A or B operator selects in an appon the smartphone. This information is available when the operator'scommunication device accesses the program at the CP. Thus, locating ofthe any SLR operator automatically or manually can be made contingentupon the SLR operator actuating a feature on the phone or other device.

In a preferred embodiment, the program automatically sends a text orother notification alarm to the closest available SLR A or B operatorwhen that SLR operator is identified as the one who can provide thefastest response time. This text or other alarm includes the narrativeinformation supplied by the original dispatch call or a summarizeddescription. Alternatively, a series of codes can be used to reduce thevolume of the communication. Still further, graphical or even livephotos or videos can be sent to the SLR operator to advise regarding theneed for the resource.

SLR C responders are not included in the automated protocol, andtherefore it is contemplated that SLR C responders may communicate withthe RMC using any cellular technology that possesses calling and textfeatures.

It should also be noted that although the description above refersmostly to governmental entities as the CP and IM, the system of theinvention can be used by a private company, family or any other entitythat has a need for a system used to request resources, confirm theproximity and communicate an ETA for the resource.

Example 4

A trucking company dispatcher at an RMC receives a request for fivebelly dump trucks needed at a highway construction site. The dispatcherenters the full request (location, equipment needed, etc. in shortnarrative form) into a CAD System that accesses a computer program thatoperates in conjunction with the inventive system. The programdetermines and assigns the GPS location for the site and immediatelyselects the closest trucks to the location based on their trackedoperators' GPS locations. The SLR operator of each of the trucksconfirms his proximity to the trucks and an ETA is sent to the IMnotifying her of the ETA of the trucks.

In the preferred embodiment, each operator that provides resources toremote sites has an app running on his phone and communicates with thesystem. It is preferred for the sake of efficiency that the app allowsselection of one or more common options rather than being required totype a unique message each time a communication is necessary. The CP canaccess the internet or a VPN to access the program of one or more SLRoperators' phones. The SLR A or B operators and the CP communicatethrough this program with predetermined selections from a prompt. If anIM has a smartphone, then the IM can similarly utilize this tool.Otherwise, the CP and IM communicate using a radio or other conventionalverbal communication devices. The program thus offers the messagingoptions of a return text or cell call if there is need for furtherclarification. This continues throughout the correspondence between theparties.

Example 5

A federal emergency response group is handling a nuclear release at apower facility that has sustained damage from an earthquake. A decisionhas been made to request earth-moving equipment from a largemetropolitan area 250 miles away. These resources are not linked to thesystem as an SLRA or B and do not have prior agreements to assist thegovernment. They are responding as an SLR C and will not automaticallyreceive text or mapping through system protocols. They are, however,able to communicate with the system at the level any cellular typedevice would allow, including at least calls and texts. When thatcommunication is created, the resource is linked as an SLR C andoperates within the system as described above.

The preferred application includes the option of delivering a mapmessage to the responding SLR (A, B or C) operator, which delivers tothe IM and/or the CP an ETA for the SLR delivered in a graphical formshowing the IM and the SLR en route. The program thus is able to “ping”the responding SLR (A or B) intermittently to receive updated locationsand ETA's and deliver information about ETA's to the IM and/or the CP invarious forms.

Example 6

The Texas Department of Transportation RMC uses a CAD program to requestprivately owned resources to respond to an overturned tank truck. TheRMC has determined that a heavy duty wrecker (SLR A) and anenvironmental response company (SLR B) must respond. The request isrouted through the server and the program assigns the GPS location forthe incident and the closest appropriate and available SLR operators. Atext message or other alarm is sent to the closest SLR operators thatare in the “available mode” and they reply that they are en route.

The preferred program also automatically determines the most effectiveroute to the incident and offers this information to the SLR operatorseither when it communicates the resource request or at any time duringthe communication with the SLR operator. The SLR operators have theoption of utilizing this information or using their own routinginformation. Regardless of the SLR operators' decisions regardingrouting information, the system will intermittently “ping” the SLR's forupdated GPS locations and ETA's to the incident. This information willbe routed to the Texas DOT's RMC for response evaluation purposes.

Example 7

An RMC is utilizing an SLR C (earth-moving equipment) in response to thenuclear incident in the example above. While the SLR C operator does nothave a cellular device that is formatted with the accessories of an SLRA or B, the operator can communicate with the RMC using any cellulardevice. The SLR C operator communicates his current location to a CADdispatcher at the RMC while departing to the incident. The dispatcherthen enters this into the program which creates a GPS location for theSLR C. A routing text is then sent to the SLR C operator from the RMCand if the cellular device is capable, mapping information may also beforwarded from the RMC dispatcher. Any additional location informationnecessary for SLR C responders while in transit is determined asnecessary by the RMC. These actions facilitate any further routing needsand determinations of ETA's for a responding SLR C.

As noted above, all of the location and time information is recorded andcopied to the relevant RMC in order to facilitate the integrity andevaluate the effectiveness of this system as applied to thecircumstances for each RMC. The time of the following events can berecorded by the program as part of the accountability portion of theprogram: the SLR operator's cellular device receiving the request forservice from the RMC; the “accept” action message from the SLRoperator's cellular device to the RMC and/or CP; the SLR operator'scellular device reading the RFID in the resource thereby confirming thatthe SLR operator is in close proximity to the resource equipment.

Example 8

An SLR A cab operator receives a notice that a unit is needed in anurban area where resource vehicles (cabs) are on duty. Using GPStechnology connected to the system, the system immediately andautomatically selects the closest available cab to respond. The SLR Aoperator's response is timed to include a notification that the requestis accepted and the operator is in close proximity to the resourcevehicle as verified by RFID under very limited time requirements. If theavailable SLR A operator receives a request for service, but fails torespond by confirming close proximity to his vehicle in a timely manner,such as within 60 or 120 seconds, that operator will not achieve ormaintain SLR A status. In such a case, the operator can be cancelledfrom the call (notification of which is sent to prevent multipleresources from arriving on scene) and the provider next in order ofproximity to the call is selected to respond. The program is designed toallow this as an automatic feature or permits this feature to be carriedout manually. This feature may be selected for manual application insituations where there is a single source SLR A operator or the RMCdispatcher deems it necessary.

Example 9

A specialty limousine is requested to send an armored unit to LAX for adignitary's arrival. The responding operator has an extended ETA withthe specialty resource because he must arrive at a secured garage wherethe bullet-proof vehicle is stored. Limited time requirements areexcused for the cellular device to be identified by the RFID on theresource equipment. The resource response is timed from operator'seventual time of arrival at the equipment which is confirmed by RFID.

It should be noted that the program allows for comparison of a pluralityof closest SLR A and B operators, and comparing their ETA's with an SLRC operator's ETA. This permits multiple resource providers to beconsidered for providing the resources on the site. Thus, an IM candetermine whether an SLR A farther from a site should be selected over acloser SLR B.

Example 10

The RMC dispatcher is advised that an individual has called for similarresources to remedy a situation prior to the RMC generating its request.That resource was not initially coordinated through the RMC, but iscurrently en route. Since this resource is not an SLR A or B, it becomesan SLR C. Once its location is entered into the system by the dispatcherat the RMC, the SLR C is assigned a GPS location by the program. Its ETAwill be compared to the previously established ETA of the SLR A or B.This will allow the government organization to make a decision about thecancellation of either resource.

Example 11

The invention is useful for responding to terrorist acts and avertingfurther harm during the response thereto. For example, a bombing isreported in the downtown area of a city with millions of citizens. Thereis a need to view the outgoing freeways of the city for any suspiciousvehicles, and therefore DHS wants all aircraft, including police,traffic and private aircraft, to be used for monitoring outboundtraffic. All such aircraft are located using radar or other technologyand are contacted using common radio technology or cellular phones, ifavailable, and the operators of the aircraft confirm their locationrelative to the aircraft via verbal communication. As each aircraft isguided by DHS authority (acting as the IM in police headquarters withaccess to traffic cameras) to its particular region for monitoring, eachaircraft is tracked, and ETA's to their particular regions are reportedto the IM. Upon reaching the appointed region, each aircraft continuesto be tracked for various purposes, including without limitation forlocation during reporting of any suspicious activity. Thus, the locationof the emergency site is the respective region of the city to which eachaircraft operator is instructed to transport the aircraft.

There may be concern with how the system described herein would befunded in light of the reality of limited government budgets foremergency services, such as police, fire and rescue. There is a desireto increase the fairness of the system, and it is envisioned thatfairness would be increased by spreading the cost of the system'simplementation and operation among the public generally. The presentinvention contemplates many methods of funding the setup and operationof the system, and these are intended to spread the cost of the system,which benefits the entire public, among the public generally. It mightbe advantageous in some circumstances, to fund the setup and operationof the system using fees collected from those who use the system.Alternatively, it is contemplated to combine these two strategies tofund the system using both publicly collected fees and fees for thoseusing the system.

In a first embodiment of the funding process, it is known that anyonetowed from a highway after an accident will be charged a fee by thetowing company. This is a reasonable response to a private partyproviding a necessary service to avoid or mitigate a public danger. Thetowing company charges a fee to the party whose car must be towed from aroadway, and that fee is typically based on the number of miles drivenor the time spent (or both) by the tow truck towing the vehicle. Theremay also be an impounding fee and there can be other fees.

The invention contemplates adding a small fee to these charges to payfor the cost of the system's operation and setup. This may be thought ofas a “tax” that is collected by the private towing company and sent tothe operator of the system, whether that operator is a city, state,county or private entity. Such a fee would be processed and sent to theoperator in much the same way that other fees are collected and sent toa central location, such as monthly, etc. In this manner, the party thatgains the benefit of the system to be towed from the roadway in a mannerthat is most efficient bears the direct cost of that benefit. The partywhose car is towed benefits by being assigned the closest tow truck totow his or her car. This reduces the overall cost to the party, eventhough a fee is added on to pay for the system to be available for allin the public who might need to be towed.

Furthermore, if the system operator is a private company, the privatecompany could provide a clearinghouse of information to the public forall services provided by the service providers. In this way, theprovision of information by the system operator that creates greaterefficiency justifies receipt of a fee from service providers when theservice providers charge for services in the usual manner. For example,each city may make a telephone number available for towing service, andthe system operator provides and answers calls placed to that number.When a call is received requesting a tow truck, the system operator usesthe system to locate and send the closest tow truck available, whichcreates greater efficiency for the consumer of those services. A fee isthen charged for the efficiency that is made available to the consumingpublic. That fee is sent to the system operator.

In a second embodiment of the funding invention, each service providerthat has an agreement with the operator of the system pays a fee, whichcould be one-time, annual or more frequent, in order to be able to becalled upon to provide services. This fee is used to operate the systemdescribed above, and is paid directly by a group that benefits frombeing available to be called upon by the system operator. This willpromote efficiency in service providers, because, in order to afford thefees, the service providers will need to receive service calls, whichrequires being widely available in various locations for such calls.Most likely, fees paid by service providers will be passed on to theircustomers, and thus, this makes the fee paid by a service provider amodified form of the first embodiment described above. However, the twoembodiments could be used in combination.

It should be noted that any agreement between the service provider andthe operator of the system can be entered into in advance of theincident for which services are provided. For example, a tow truckcompany can sign an agreement with an agency that operates the system,and the agreement may specify the terms of the relationship, includingthe cost of the fee paid by the service provider or the customers ofservice providers. Alternatively, the agreement between the serviceprovider and the agency operating the system can be entered into afterthe incident for which services are provided. As an example, if there isa large landslide over a mountain highway, the state highway patrolwould make it known to all heavy equipment operators, including thosethat do not have an existing relationship with the patrol, that heavyequipment is needed at the site of the landslide. At that time,operators of that heavy equipment would go online, or come to the site,and enter into an agreement at that time (post-incident) to provideservices.

In a third embodiment, those who contemplate using the system would paya fee to a person or company, which fee could be determined usingactuarial data. If the time comes that such a prospective user ischarged for use of the system, the person or company who was previouslypaid by the user would then pay all or some of the use charge. Suchprospective users would thus pay a known amount at a known interval,rather than an unknown amount at an unexpected time. This is similar toan insurance policy, and could be a transaction involving an insurancecompany, an automobile club or any other entity that is willing toengage in this type of fee-spreading relationship. An insurance companymay negotiate for service discounts from the system operator so that themore services that are paid for by one insurance company, the less ischarged per event to the insurance company's clients.

In the examples described herein, the information gathered by thesystem, including tracking of the location of the equipment and otheritems and the time spent in various locations can be used to invoiceservice providers and/or users of the system. That is, the informationcollected by the system can be used in the funding of the system, suchas by charging a party based on miles driven, time worked, or any otherfactor.

As a part of any agreement reached between the service providers and thesystem operator, the party that will provide services must agree to haveequipment that meets the requirements of the system, such as an RFIDdevice placed on his or her equipment. Additionally, the party mustagree that it will maintain required cellular or smartphones with GPScapability, applications thereon, data capabilities, etc. This system isadvantageous because it requires of service providers that they utilizeexpensive equipment that would not otherwise be affordable for thepublic to purchase for each individual public safety officer, but alsobecause this expensive equipment is commonly already owned by serviceproviders.

Furthermore, in the embodiments contemplated, the service providers mustagree to have the required arrangement with the system operator in orderto be considered a service provider. Because the central party collectsinformation about the location and movement of the equipment, theservice provider agrees that the central party (or a different party)may retain that data and use it for all legitimate purposes, includinginvoicing parties.

It is contemplated that a third party may provide the system by whichgovernmental agencies notify service providers that an incident requirestheir services. The initiation of a relationship with this third partybegins with the governmental agency contracting with the third party toprovide services through the government agency communication systemswithin the agency's jurisdiction and/or area of operation. The linkingof parties is included in the funding process.

In the preferred embodiment, the parties are government emergencyresponding agencies (e.g., police), private providers of resourcescontracted for special equipment and services (e.g., tow truckcompanies) and the central party, also designated by the government. Thecontract is made for the providers to be pre-sorted by providing theirequipment and services to the central party.

When an incident occurs and a government agent becomes an incidentmanager, he or she notifies the central party of the needs of theincident and the need for equipment. When the central party receivesthat request for the service of those nearest the incident, the nearestproviders are notified and they must respond to the call or the systemmoves to the next available party. At the point of acceptance by theservice provider, the time is noted in the central party computer, whichis the system used to track private funding, thereby assuring fairness.

The cooperation agreement and funding may be through a primarily privateorganization, such as an automobile club or a provider of equipment usedin the system, such as GPS location equipment or smartphones. In thepreferred embodiment, there may be a contract formed with the threeentities involved. The first entity operates the initial response toemergencies, the second entity operates the service and/or equipment toemergencies, and the third entity is the central party that operates thefunction of coordinating communications for emergency incidentmanagement. Providing service through these three parties requires afunding method that coordinates the flow of money from, and fairness to,each party.

This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intendedprincipally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in whichthe present invention may be constructed or utilized. The descriptionsets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementingthe invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is tobe understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions andfeatures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are alsointended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the inventionand that various modifications may be adopted without departing from theinvention or scope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of funding a central partydirecting a mobile resource equipment, which is not a two-waycommunication device, to an emergency site after being notified by anincident manager of a need at the emergency site for the mobile resourceequipment, the method comprising: (a) the central party having theemergency site's location and locations of a plurality of resourceoperators, and identifying at least one resource operator who is capableof providing the mobile resource equipment at the emergency site based,at least in part, on a comparison of the locations of said plurality ofresource operators relative to the location of the emergency site; (b)the central party communicating with a portable communication devicesaid at least one resource operator carries on person; (c) after thecentral party has communicated with the portable communication device,then said at least one resource operator confirming that the mobileresource equipment is in close proximity to said at least one resourceoperator based, at least in part, on the step of said at least oneresource operator placing the portable communication device close enoughto the mobile resource equipment for the portable communication deviceto detect unique identification means attached to the mobile resourceequipment; (d) after said at least one resource operator has confirmedthat the mobile resource equipment is in close proximity to said atleast one resource operator, then the portable communication devicecommunicating to the central party that the mobile resource equipment isin close proximity to said at least one resource operator based, atleast in part, on detection by the portable communication device of theunique identification means attached to the mobile resource equipment;(e) said at least one resource operator transporting the mobile resourceequipment toward the emergency site; (f) the central party communicatingto the incident manager an estimated time of arrival at the emergencysite of said at least one resource operator and the mobile resourceequipment based, at least in part, upon tracking of said portablecommunication device's movement toward the emergency site; (g) whereinthe step of confirming further comprises placing the portablecommunication device in close enough proximity to optically detectinformation on the unique identification means, which is anoptically-readable code; and (h) forming an agreement between thecentral party and said at least one resource operator to provide themobile resource equipment.
 2. The method in accordance with claim 1,further comprising the central party gathering information about said atleast one resource operator providing the mobile resource equipment andusing that information to charge a fee to another party.
 3. The methodin accordance with claim 2, further comprising said at least oneresource operator charging the fee to an entity benefiting fromprovision of the mobile resource equipment at the emergency site.
 4. Themethod in accordance with claim 2, further comprising said at least oneresource operator charging the fee to an entity previously paid by aperson benefiting from provision of the mobile resource equipment at theemergency site.
 5. A method of a funding a central party directing amobile resource equipment, which is not a two-way communication device,to an emergency site after being notified by an incident manager of aneed at the emergency site for the mobile resource equipment, the methodcomprising: (a) the central party obtaining the emergency site'slocation and locations of a plurality of resource operators, and thecentral party identifying at least one resource operator who is capableof providing the mobile resource equipment at the emergency site based,at least in part, on a comparison of the locations of said plurality ofresource operators relative to the location of the emergency site; (b)the central party communicating with a portable communication devicesaid at least one resource operator carries on person; (c) after thecentral party has communicated with the portable communication device,then said at least one resource operator confirming that the mobileresource equipment is in close proximity to said at least one resourceoperator based, at least in part, on the step of said at least oneresource operator placing the portable communication device close enoughto the mobile resource equipment for the portable communication deviceto detect a unique identifier attached to the mobile resource equipment;(d) after said at least one resource operator has confirmed that themobile resource equipment is in close proximity to said at least oneresource operator, then the portable communication device communicatingto the central party that the mobile resource equipment is in closeproximity to said at least one resource operator based, at least inpart, on detection by the portable communication device of the uniqueidentifier attached to the mobile resource equipment; (e) said at leastone resource operator transporting the mobile resource equipment towardthe emergency site; (f) the central party communicating to the incidentmanager an estimated time of arrival at the emergency site of said atleast one resource operator and the mobile resource equipment based, atleast in part, upon tracking of said portable communication device'smovement toward the emergency site; and (h) forming an agreement betweenthe central party and said at least one resource operator to provide themobile resource equipment.
 6. The method in accordance with claim 5,further comprising the central party gathering information about said atleast one resource operator providing the mobile resource equipment andusing that information to charge a fee to another party.
 7. The methodin accordance with claim 6, further comprising said at least oneresource operator charging the fee to an entity benefiting fromprovision of the mobile resource equipment at the emergency site.
 8. Themethod in accordance with claim 6, further comprising the resourceoperator charging the fee to an entity previously paid by a personbenefiting from provision of the mobile resource equipment at theemergency site.
 9. The method in accordance with claim 5, wherein thestep of confirming further comprises placing the portable communicationdevice in close enough proximity to emit a signal toward, and receive aresponse signal from, the unique identifier, which is a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) device.
 10. The method in accordance with claim 5,wherein the unique identifier is an optically-readable code.
 11. Themethod in accordance with claim 10, wherein the optically-readable codeis a bar code.
 12. The method in accordance with claim 10, wherein theoptically-readable code is a quick response (QR) code.
 13. The method inaccordance with claim 5, further comprising the step of said at leastone resource operator communicating with the central party an ability toprovide the mobile resource equipment.
 14. The method in accordance withclaim 5, further comprising the central party communicating periodicupdates of the estimated time of arrival to the incident manager. 15.The method in accordance with claim 5, further comprising running anapplication on a device on the resource operator that communicates witha computer system operated by the central party.
 16. The method inaccordance with claim 5, further comprising forming a managementagreement between public and private entities to provide responseservices for emergencies.